Compare Pet Insurance Plans

Pet insurance reimburses you for a percentage of vet bills after your pet has an accident or gets sick. You pay the vet upfront, submit a claim (usually through an app or online portal), and the insurer pays you back its share of the covered amount.

Unlike human health insurance, pet insurance is almost entirely reimbursement-based, the deductible is usually annual (not per-incident), and there's no "network" — you can see any licensed vet. That simplicity is one of its biggest advantages.

Coverage varies by plan type:

• Accident and illness plans (most common) — covers injuries, cancer, infections, hereditary conditions, chronic diseases, and surgery. This is the core product.
• Accident-only plans — cheaper, but they only cover injuries, not illnesses.
• Wellness add-ons — optional riders for routine care (vaccines, dental cleanings, annual exams). Often not worth it — you usually pay back in premium roughly what you'd spend on care.

Pre-existing conditions are universally excluded. "Bilateral" conditions (one knee, one eye) where one side has shown symptoms are usually excluded on the other side too.

Average monthly premiums:

• Dogs: $35–$75 for accident + illness, depending on breed, age, and location.
• Cats: $20–$40 for accident + illness.

The three levers that move premiums are deductible ($250, $500, or $1,000 annual), reimbursement rate (70%, 80%, or 90%), and annual max ($5K, $10K, $15K, or unlimited). A higher deductible and lower reimbursement rate can cut premium 30–40%.

Large breeds and breeds prone to hip dysplasia, cancer, or heart disease (Great Danes, Bulldogs, Boxers, Cavalier Spaniels) cost meaningfully more than average mixed-breed pets.

As early as possible — ideally between 8 weeks and 1 year old. Two reasons:

1. Lower premiums. The same dog quoted at age 7 can cost more than double what it cost at age 1.
2. No pre-existing exclusions. Anything diagnosed before the policy starts — or during the waiting period — is excluded for life.

Most plans have a 14-day waiting period for illness and a 2-day to 30-day waiting period for orthopedic conditions. Sign up before anything appears on your pet's medical record.

Four questions to ask before picking a plan:

1. Does it cover hereditary and congenital conditions? (Hip dysplasia in large breeds, heart conditions in certain breeds.) Most good plans do; some budget ones don't.
2. Is the annual limit sufficient? For large breeds or cancer-prone breeds, $10K minimum. Unlimited is best if the premium is reasonable.
3. How are claims handled? Look for an app or online portal, a clear list of what you need to submit, and a stated turnaround — then hold the insurer to it.
4. How does the premium change with age? Some insurers raise rates aggressively as pets age. Ask for the historical rate curve before committing.